St. Paul: Overnight work approved for light-rail line

The St. Paul City Council has approved overnight work for construction of the Central Corridor light-rail transit line along University Avenue and Robert Street, with caveats.

The council issued a sound-level variance for work along University Avenue from Emerald Street to Hamline Avenue, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., on 20 occasions from April to July 15. The Metropolitan Council had asked that the variance be extended to November, but council member Russ Stark urged a shorter timeframe, after which the Met Council can reapply.

The work will be limited to dump trucks, backhoes and compactors and should not include jack-hammering, according to the application from the Metropolitan Council.

The second sound-level variance is for overnight work related to the Cedar Bridge. The work area extends along Robert Street starting at University Avenue to 12th Street East, 12th Street East to Cedar Street, and Cedar Street East to 11th Street, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on 25 dates. The application indicates that all loud activities such as jack-hammering should be performed during the day.